Search

The Nissan Pathfinder was introduced more than 25 years ago as the perfect family adventure vehicle. As it gets ready to debut this fall in an all-new 4th generation design, it adds an unprecedented level of premium style, comfort and thoughtful technology – including a dramatic new aerodynamic exterior design and innovative, flexible interior.

“As Nissan has expanded its range of adventure-ready SUVs to include Armada, Xterra, Murano, Rogue and JUKE, Pathfinder maintains its very important position in the heart of the lineup and the market – as a right-size, 3-row/7-passenger SUV with the seating and cargo capacity that growing families need,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “As families spend more time in their SUVs everyday as well as on weekends, the next-gen Pathfinder is stepping up with enhanced comfort, innovative technology, increased fuel efficiency, and most importantly, more flexibility for the family.”

A Mid-Size SUV with Full-Size Comfort
One of the biggest changes to the upcoming Pathfinder design is the return to a unibody platform, which offers numerous benefits including a flat floor for more packing flexibility.

“The Pathfinder Concept demonstrates that when it comes to modern interior design, you can have it all – premium features, versatility and user-friendly technology,” said Castignetti. “By giving equal priority to both the driver and each and every passenger – including those in the third row – we’ve created a premium driving experience and environment for all.”

Thoughtful technology is also found throughout the Pathfinder Concept interior, which includes:
• Nissan Navigation System with real-time traffic and weather information and Zagat Survey® restaurant guide
• Bluetooth® Streaming Audio
• RearView Monitor
• Nissan’s Around View™ Monitor, which shows the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle.
• Tri-zone climate control system
• Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
• Power rear liftgate
• iPod® integration
• Tri-zone entertainment system with 2nd row headrest-mounted DVD display screens.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (includes an individual tire pressure display and EasyFill Tire Assist)
• A remote engine start function, which allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving.

Stunning New Exterior Design
Along with the enhanced interior flexibility, the new unibody platform provided the designers an opportunity to create a more aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo capacity. It is expected to be among the best aerodynamic performers in the segment.

In one other important measurement, the next-gen Pathfinder is expected to weigh substantially less than the previous body-on-frame design, which helps contribute to the enhanced fuel economy performance.

“With its new aerodynamically optimized shape, the styling is a major step forward in the evolution of the SUV – retaining its people and cargo hauling utility without looking quite so utilitarian,” said Castignetti. “It’s fitting that a vehicle that tackles adventures in a whole new way also now completely looks the part.”

Better Fuel Economy
The Pathfinder powertrain utilizes a refined V6 engine mated to a next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to provide an expected 25 percent increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped model). The Pathfinder Concept also features an intuitive four-wheel drive system and a towing capacity comparable to the leaders in the segment.

The new engine and CVT combination offers improved efficiency, while maintaining nearly the same horsepower as the previous generation’s larger displacement V6.

“The new Pathfinder carries on the tradition of the previous generations of adventure-ready Pathfinders that have come before – offering a new level of family enjoyment and engagement that is just right for today’s real-world, everyday uses,” concluded Castignetti. “After more than 25 years, Pathfinder is ready to tackle new terrain and the new challenges of modern family lives.”